The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Joseph F. Wood (ASN: 33482592), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 232d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 1 April 1945, in Wurzburg, Germany. When his company was held up by enemy fire from well hidden snipers, Corporal Wood deliberately exposed himself to spot the enemy positions. After he had drawn the German fire, he worked his way forward of the company to a position from which he was able to definitely locate the enemy. Corporal Wood then returned and directed machine gun fire on the hostile emplacements, enabling a platoon of riflemen to attack and overrun the positions and capture forty prisoners. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty were responsible for the success of his company in completing its mission.